After-school programs at the middle school level have been proven effective for improving academic achievement, social interactions, and positive community involvement. The researcher's intent was developing a tutoring program that would also provide children with a safe environment for improving social skills. The goal was using the research to write a proposal to secure funds to meet children's needs at Audubon Middle School, located in a predominantly African American community with Hispanic and Asian minorities. It is an economically impoverished neighborhood with a high crime rate.

As a result of participation in after-school programs, some studies have indicated substantial improvement in academic areas and the number of students graduating from high school. More research is needed to give specific direction to these program types. Funding was sought from the Stuart Foundation. A grant was written to develop this program, but securing the funding was not a thesis requirement.